Dan Koppen totally recovered from broken ankle

Posted by Josh Alper on May 28, 2012, 3:33 PM EST

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Patriots center Dan Koppen played less than one half of football in 2011 thanks ‘to a broken ankle.

Koppen told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald that the ankle is fully healed — “I don’t even feel it anymore” — as the Patriots go through their offseason activities. Koppen seems to appreciate being back at work.

“It’s just tough to sit around and watch it,” Koppen said. “But you’ve got to be mentally strong enough to probably handle that and say, ‘All right, injuries happen, and you’ve just got to move on from that.’ It’s just tough to sit there and watch.”

Koppen may still have some watching to do. Dan Connolly did a good job at center in his absence and Koppen seemed unlikely to return as he made the rounds as a free agent. Nothing developed elsewhere, though, and Koppen signed a two-year deal to stay in New England.

The deal didn’t come with a starting job attached and Connolly’s been called the favorite to hold onto it. Connolly could move to guard if Logan Mankins hits a snag in recovery from his knee injury, but Koppen will have to beat him out otherwise. He’s physically ready to try and the depth will be a good thing for the Patriots either way.

Dan feels so good he painted a sign on the side of his van that says “If someone’s hoppin, it ain’t Koppen”.

CKL says:May 28, 2012 5:11 PM

Not bad, man of many identities, but it’s pronounced COPE-en not COP-en.

I figured bringing him back was a no brainer when they didn’t draft a C prospect. With all the young’uns who could be slated to start (Vollmer, Cannon, Solder) a smart vet C is a nice guy to have along with the savvy and solid Waters @ RG.

Connelly did fine but Waters had to handle or the protection calls and the snap timing. If Mankins doesn’t recover in time, I think its more likely Koppen is at C and Connelly/Gallery is at LG. Also having lost Light to retirement, Brady may be more comfortable having Koppen in front of him.

der6495 says:May 28, 2012 10:57 PM

Connolly is needed for KR duties.

Ghost Rat says:May 29, 2012 2:06 AM

Glad to see Dan healthy again. Our depth at offensive line is looking outstanding, with Waters, Koppen, Connelly, Mankins, and Gallery playing the interior and Solder and Vollmer holding down the tackle spots.